Bibi Senthi is British Tamil, disabled, and autistic. She writes and illustrates from her home in Manchester, UK, and has a PhD in biological sciences. Felishia Henditirto was born in Bandung, Indonesia, and has been fascinated by art and stories since she was a child. In her illustrations, Felishia likes to play with colors, lights, and shadows.
Description
Mayuri feels safest when she's in the cozy little fort she's made in her family's den. Plump cushions, soft-flowing saris, and gentle blankets keep her snug as the music from her favorite Tamil movies swoops all around her. When she ventures outside, however, the world rushes too fast, so Mayuri wraps herself in the sounds of those old movies. Sa re ga ma pa, she stims. She takes additional comfort in the familiar sounds of her father's voice. Thaaa thaaa thi-thi thei, it seems to say. Those sounds follow her as she and her appa go for a walk in the neighborhood. But what happens when her verbal stimming isn't enough to stop a sudden sensory storm? Readers are invited to join Mayuri in repeating rhythmic sounds as she loses, and finds, her voice again. In this picture book depicting the sensory struggles of an autistic child, the reader is introduced to verbal stimming and how the repetition of sounds can bring comfort and help Mayuri endure the sudden storm.